Hong Kong Customs today (August 8) arrested a salesman of a ginseng and dried seafood shop suspected of engaging in unfair trade practices involving misleading omission in the sale of ginseng fruit, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
Customs earlier received information alleging that a salesman at a ginseng and dried seafood shop in Causeway Bay had misled a customer to believe the unit price of ginseng fruit was calculated per catty. After the ginseng fruit was ground, the salesman revealed that the goods were priced per mace. After investigation, Customs officers today arrested a 29-year-old man. Investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to purchase products from reputable shops. Consumers should also be cautious about the unit price and ask for more information, including the total price of the goods selected, before making a purchase decision.
Under the TDO, any trader who engages in a commercial practice that omits or hides material information and as a result causes, or is likely to cause, an average consumer to make a transactional decision commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the TDO to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Tuesday, August 8, 2017